The LA Clippers got the better of the Chicago Bulls 120-93 at Staple Centre in LA to make it four straight wins for Doc Rivers’ troops. It was a tough loss for the Bulls who battled hard but fell well short.
The Bulls had headed to LA to take on the Clippers looking for a win on the road that would see them stay ahead of the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers had won three games on the trot and wanted another victory.
Blake Griffin was still missing as his hand continued to heal after his altercation with a member of the Clippers staff. That story had dominated the headlines pre-game; the clippers performance on Sunday would dominate the headlines post-game.
The one name that set the boxscore alight was Jamal Crawford’s he was red-hot in this match-up, especially in the fourth quarter. He top scored in the game with 26 points in the game. He was playing like a much younger player with a lot to prove.
What a game it was. A real contest, with neither team building a big lead through two quarters played. They traded baskets in the paint, buckets from beyond the arc and shots from the free-throw line. Pretty much everywhere on the floor. The first quarter ended with the Clippers in front by two points, 24-22.
The hosts maintained their lead at halftime despite a few lead changes in the second quarter. Jamal Crawford was in inspired form for the hosts as the Clippers’ bench produced the points. It was 51-40 at the break with Crawford the leading scorer for the home team with 12 at halftime that included 2-3 from beyond the arc. The Bulls had no response to the Clippers guard. The hosts leaned heavily on Crawford who was locked in as he scored 11 of 15 from the field.
The Bulls ended the game with four players in double-digits. E’Twaun Moore (10 points), Pau Gasol (15 points and 14 rebounds), Derrick rose (20 points and 4 assists) and Jimmy Butler (23 points). Chicago managed to stay close for two and a half quarters before the Clippers pulled in front and never looked back. The Bulls just weren’t good enough down the stretch.
It wasn’t only all about Crawford as many of his teammates came to the party. DeAndre Jordan scored 17 points and pulled down a huge 20 rebounds. He was massive on under the glass. JJ Redick was perfect from three-point range as he scored 4 out of 4 from beyond the arc, he finished with 21 points. Chris Paul directed proceedings for the home team and his 19 points were complimented by 7 assists as well.
The Bulls have work to do and will make sure they get down to it. Butler and Rose will have to feature prominently in their charge for towards the playoffs later in the year.
It was a big 27 point win for Doc Rivers’ men who made it 15 victories from 18 games as they continue to impress in the West. It was a night were the Clippers shot 53.1percent from three-point land and will look to utilize their marksmanship to get them prime position in the Western Conference standings. From this evidence they’re on track.
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